Abstract

Terrestrial invertebrate faunal assemblages of ‘Mature’ (40–60 years old) and ‘New’ (3–4 years old) hedgerows were sampled from July 2007 to June 2008 using pitfall traps. Identification to Order level enabled a broad-spectrum taxonomic comparison between the two hedgerow types. Abundance was significantly higher in New hedgerows, but samples were dominated by a more limited variety of taxa than Mature hedgerows. Collembola and Coleoptera dominated assemblages on both hedge types, but more Orders were represented in the invertebrate assemblages living on Mature hedgerows. The totals for each Order contributing to the assemblage were significantly affected by time of the year and/or hedge type in many, but not all, Orders. Although Mature hedgerows supported a greater diversity of invertebrates, newly-planted hedgerows supported greater numbers of a less diverse assemblage and so have their part to play in providing habitat and dispersal opportunities for a range of taxa.